The Sims 3 is sold in many stores around the world. However, you can download it to your computer for free via Origin if you've already purchased the game. In addition, The Sims 3 can also be downloaded for free using the “peer-to-peer” file sharing protocol also known as BitTorrent.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Origin
Step 1. Visit the Origin download page at
The Origin program allows you to manage previously purchased and downloaded games.
Go to step six if Origin is already installed on the computer
Step 2. Select the option to download Origin to a Windows or Mac OS X computer
Your browser will download the installation file and save it to your computer's main downloads folder.
Step 3. Double-click the Origin installation file
The Origin installation menu will open.
Step 4. Select the origin installation location and shortcut preferences
Step 5. Click “Install”, then read and accept the end user license agreement
Step 6. Log in to the Origin service using your Origin account information
Type in the same email address or Origin ID as the information you used when you first purchased The Sims 3.
Step 7. Click the “My Games” tab on Origin
All games purchased from Origin, including The Sims 3, will be displayed.
Step 8. Right click “The Sims 3” and select “Download”
Step 9. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install The Sims 3 on your computer
Method 2 of 3: Using BitTorrent
Step 1. Download and install the BitTorrent program
This program allows you to connect with other internet users using the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol in order to download The Sims 3. Some of the well-known and trusted BitTorrent programs are uTorrent, Azureus, and BitTorrent.
Step 2. Visit the BitTorrent directory
The BitTorrent directory is a search engine that allows you to search for movies, television shows, apps, games, and music. Some of the popular torrent sites include The Pirate Bay, ExtraTorrent, and KickassTorrents.
Step 3. Type “Sims 3” into the search field on the BitTorrent site
Some BitTorrent directories allow you to search specifically on the game category. For example, if you use The Pirate Bay, check the “Games” option and use the search keyword “Sims 3.”
Step 4. Browse the torrent list by name, seeder, upload date and other factors
Seeders are other BitTorrent users who share or host certain torrents so that their files can be downloaded quickly by other users (known as leechers).
Step 5. Click on the torrent for more information about the available torrent files
This way, you can see comments and file details, such as operating system compatibility, file type, and size.
Step 6. Click the magnet link to download the torrent file
The file will be added to the BitTorrent program. Magnet links are usually labeled “magnet link” or display a magnet icon.
Step 7. Select The Sims 3 torrent file in the BitTorrent program and click “Play”
The Sims 3 will be downloading soon.
Step 8. Select The Sims 3 torrent in the BitTorrent program once it's finished downloading
Step 9. Click “Stop” or “Remove” on the BitTorrent program
The Sims 3 is now available in the main folder of the download store (“Downloads”).
Step 10. Double-click The Sims 3, then follow the on-screen instructions to install and run the game
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Upgrade your computer's operating system if you can't install Origin
The Origin program is only compatible with Windows 7 and later, and OS X 10.7 and later.
Step 2. Make sure you have enough free disk space in case you encounter an error installing Origin
This program requires 250 MB of disk space on Windows PCs, and 150 MB on Mac OS X computers.
Step 3. Try downloading another BitTorrent program if the program you are currently using is not working optimally
BitTorrent programs are not guaranteed to always work properly, and some programs are more compatible with certain operating systems. For example, Windows users usually prefer to use uTorrent, while Mac users prefer to use Azureus.
Step 4. Visit another BitTorrent directory if you are having trouble finding The Sims 3 torrent
Some users often upload torrents to their favorite directory so The Sims 3 game may be available on other torrent sites.
Tips
Make sure an antivirus or computer security program is running in the background when you visit and browse the BitTorrent directory. Such sites are often infected with malware that can harm your computer
Warning
- BitTorrent files have the potential to install malware or disruptive components on the computer. Consider the risks involved when using the file.
- Some pirated games have modifications that change the plot or game system. If you use pirated The Sims 4, the mosaic effect will eventually cover the entire screen permanently and cannot be removed.
- Use BitTorrent with caution and understand that in some countries or jurisdictions, you may be subject to fines for downloading files from torrent sites. You're also breaking EA Games' laws if you get The Sims 3 this way. In addition, you run the risk of fines and the closure of your Origin account.
